Case Studies

Underpinning - Helical Shire Piles

Here at Stronghold Preservation, we have a range of options open
to us when considering the repair of subsidence issues and cracks;
or underpinning. One modern system is Helical Shire
Piles. These mini piles are designed to work with the
existing structure, to provide full or partial support.

Installation is typically less invasive than traditional
underpinning methods: small areas are excavated along the affected
foundation wall, to foundation depth. The helical shire piles
are then installed, at centres dictated by Stronghold Preservation,
using an adapted pneumatic driving hammer, to a firm strata.
This allows for installation in confined spaces - even allowing for
internal underpinning, if deemed necessary. The mini piles are then
tied into the existing foundations, and external finishes made
good. Compact pile caps remove the need for time consuming
and expensive mass excavation, keeping inconvenience to an absolute
minimum. The mini piles and pile stabilizerscan generally be used
to depths of approximately 10m (greater depths are achievable in
certain conditions). The supports will carry loads from 30kN to
100kN dependent on ground conditions.

Supports can be fitted with jacking plates to enable the lifting
of light structures such as conservatories, porches and garages
that are supported on shallow foundations. This often removes the
need for disruptive and costly rebuilding.